Ashley R. Richardson, MBA, PMP, CSM, is a distinguished United States Navy veteran (2006–2014, E-6) and forward-thinking agricultural entrepreneur. A two-time Secretary of the Navy’s Sailor of the Year and recipient of six Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Ashley completed four Mediterranean deployments, traveled to over 25 countries, and served as a Haiti earthquake Creole French translator. At the Pentagon, Ashley worked directly for Secretary Ray Mabus and supported six ES-4 Senior Executive Service personnel across the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Today, Ashley operates Full Circle Bloom in Kenbridge, Virginia, utilizing innovative Vertical Aeroponics to grow sustainable leafy greens, snack cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. The enterprise also includes a Farm to Table Food Manufacturing Business that transforms this fresh produce into highly nutritious food products.
As a Farmer Veteran Coalition member, Ashley perfectly exemplifies the spirit of American service — strengthening national food security just as honorably as defending the nation in uniform.
"The Farmer Veteran Coalition has been instrumental in helping me translate my military leadership and project management expertise into sustainable agriculture. Transitioning from directing high-level Pentagon initiatives to launching Full Circle Bloom, a vertical aeroponics farm, presented unique operational challenges. The Coalition provided a vital community of peers who understand the mission-driven mindset of a veteran. Their resources and network have offered invaluable visibility for our farm and our Farm to Table Food Manufacturing Business in Kenbridge, Virginia. By championing veteran-led agricultural innovation, the Coalition has empowered us to strengthen national food security with the same dedication I held while serving the Secretary of the Navy. It has bridged the gap between my past service and my current passion for pioneering clean, nutritious food production for our community."
Full Circle Bloom is an innovative agricultural enterprise utilizing state-of-the-art Vertical Aeroponics to pioneer sustainable, soil-less indoor farming. By suspending plant roots in a controlled misting environment, our vertical systems maximize space and dramatically reduce water consumption compared to traditional agriculture, ensuring premium quality and optimal nutrient density. We specialize in cultivating clean, pesticide-free produce year-round, including crisp leafy greens, snack cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. Beyond raw cultivation, Full Circle Bloom uniquely operates an integrated Farm to Table Food Manufacturing Business. This allow us to directly transform our freshly harvested, aeroponically grown vegetables into convenient, highly nutritious, value-added food products. Our dual-mission focuses on environmental sustainability and community wellness, proving that advanced agricultural technology can successfully bridge the gap between conscious farming and healthy, accessible eating.
"My decision to enter agriculture after my military service was driven by a deep desire to continue serving my community. In many rural areas, access to fresh, healthy produce is severely limited, creating widespread food deserts. I wanted to change that. By using vertical aeroponics at Full Circle Bloom, I can deliver premium, nutritious food options right where they are needed most. For me, farming is a natural evolution of my commitment to my country — shifting from national defense to national food security and ensuring rural communities have the high-quality nutrition required to thrive."
"Farming completely sustains my sense of service because everyone needs nutritious food to thrive. I am truly blessed and thankful that I get to continue supporting my community by providing the very foods that are so needed in underserved rural areas. To me personally, being an American farmer means standing on the front lines of national food security. It is a profound honor to translate my Navy leadership and work ethic into cultivating the land, ensuring our communities are fed, healthy, and resilient for generations to come."
